Dental Implants
Anyone with one or more missing teeth knows how hard it can be to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
Dental implant-supported restorations can replace missing teeth from the root to the chewing surface for excellent stability and function.
Dr. Nick Pournaras provides beautiful, functional dental implant-supported replacement teeth for patients throughout Cayce and Columbia, SC.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are devices that replace lost tooth roots. Dental implants are combined with restorations (replacement teeth) and abutments to provide a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. This dentistry solution provides two unique benefits:
- Dental implants make your crowns, bridges, and dentures as stable as natural teeth.
- Dental implants are the only restorative option that can stop the jaw from receding after tooth loss.
Abutment: An abutment serves as the connection between an implant and restoration. Like implants, abutments are made of durable titanium and designed for long-lasting security.
Restoration: A restoration is a dental crown, bridge, or denture crafted to closely resemble and function like a natural tooth or teeth. It firmly attaches to the abutment.
What Types of Tooth Loss Can Implants Treat?
Dental implants can benefit patients with all types of tooth loss:
One missing tooth
Patients who are missing just one tooth can benefit from an implant-supported crown. This single-tooth solution allows you to avoid altering nearby healthy teeth in order to support a traditional bridge, fills the gap in your smile, and supports the health of your jawbone.
Multiple missing teeth
An implant-supported bridge may be the right choice for patients who are missing two or more consecutive teeth. Like implant crowns, implant bridges do not require alteration of nearby healthy teeth.
Full-arch replacement
Patients with significant tooth loss can benefit from an implant-supported denture as a much more stable alternative to traditional removable dentures.
Ready to Get Rid of Unreliable Dentures?
Many adults deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional dentures for years before learning about the benefits of implant-supported dentures. Here are some top reasons why our Cayce and Columba, SC, patients decide to leave their traditional dentures behind and rejuvenate their smiles with dental implants:
Traditional dentures are notorious for shifting out of place when you speak or eat certain foods. Implant-supported dentures function just like natural teeth, staying firmly in place whether you are enjoying a rare steak for dinner or delivering a speech. In short, implants allow you to stop worrying and start enjoying the best parts of life.
Dentures must be removed for frequent cleaning and overnight soaking, leaving you without a complete smile for a significant portion of the day. Because dental implants are securely fused with your jawbone, they offer you a 24/7 smile that requires no more upkeep than natural teeth.
Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone in order to retain bone tissue. When teeth are lost, the diminished stimulation results in jaw atrophy (shrinkage) that can cause a cascade of other issues. Dental implants are the one and only restorative solution that can stop and actually reverse bone atrophy following tooth loss.
A Partnership Rooted in Excellence
One of the reasons Dr. Nick stands out among dentists in the Columbia, SC, area is his close working relationship with Wayne Payne, a master ceramist. With 45 years of experience leading Payne Dental Lab, Inc., Wayne creates customized restorations with a focus on functional aesthetics, so you can expect that your dental work is both strong and beautiful. Visit our Master Ceramist page to learn more about his expertise and process.
Trust Your Smile to Leaders in the Field Get Started by Contacting Our Dentist Today
Dr. Nick and Wayne consistently exceed our patients' expectations with their restorative work. If you are interested in experiencing the many benefits of dental implants and having a beautiful, natural-looking smile again, we invite you to learn more about how these partners can realize your goals. To book a consultation with our dentist, reach out online or call us at:
(803) 888-6504
"The Best Dental Practice I Have Ever Been To" Read What Patients Have To Say About Our Passion for Dentistry
Lisa Grimes
2021
The absolute best dentist in town! Excellent care and great results! Dr. Nick and his staff love what they do and it shows!
View on GoogleCox Lindsay
2021
Absolutely the best dental practice that I have ever been to. The staff is so on top of things with great attitudes. Dr. Nick is a ball of energy and makes you feel right at home.
View on GoogleAre You a Candidate for a Dental Implant?
In order to qualify for implant treatment, you must have:
Good jawbone density
Leaving tooth loss unaddressed for an extended period of time can result in jawbone atrophy that eventually renders the area unable to support a dental implant. However, patients with jawbone degradation may still be candidates after undergoing bone grafting, a process of adding donor tissue to replace recessed tissue. We also offer mini dental implants, which require less supportive bone tissue than traditional implants.
One or more missing teeth
Dental implants can be used to correct many levels of tooth loss. Whether you are missing one tooth or an entire row, Dr. Nick and the Columbia Smiles team can restore the appearance and strength of your smile with implants.
No Other Oral Health Issues or Serious Overall Health Problems
Gum disease can weaken overall dental health and increase the risk of implant failure. You must also be free of tooth decay. Generally speaking, candidates must be healthy enough to undergo minor surgery. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can disqualify you from this option.
Mini Dental Implants
In addition to traditional dental implants, we can also restore mini implants for patients who are missing teeth in the Columbia, SC, area. Find out why mini dental implants might be the restorative solution for you:
Expanded candidacy
Dental implants are able to provide such exceptional support due to osseointegration, a process in which the titanium implant fuses with the jawbone over a period of three to six months. Mini implants require less bone tissue for fusion, so patients who have been told they are not candidates for traditional dental implants due to poor jawbone density may still qualify for mini implant treatment.
Fewer appointments, quicker recovery
Mini implants can support a crown, bridge, or denture right away, so you can begin enjoying the benefits of your implant-supported restorations immediately, rather than having to wait for osseointegration to run its course.
An affordable alternative
Because mini dental implants involve fewer materials and appointments, you can expect to pay less for this dentistry solution than you would for traditional dental implants.
The Cost of Implant Treatment
Because there are so many variables in this treatment, such as the number of implants placed and the type of restorations they will support, the cost can vary dramatically. It's important to understand that although insurance generally contributes to the cost of restorations, basic insurance plans do not cover the cost of dental implants. During your consultation, our staff can speak with you to help find a way to make this treatment a comfortable fit for your budget. One option is financing through CareCredit®, a healthcare lender that offers low- and no-interest loans to help you manage the cost of your treatment.
"Columbia Smiles Is Wonderful" Providing Quality Care for Patients Throughout the Columbia Area
Camille Knezevich
2022
Between living in Sumter, and now Columbia, I feel like I have been in search for the perfect dentist my entire adult life... I wondered if I would ever find a dentists who made me feel comfortable, less self-conscious, and who REALLY cared about my happiness and what we needed to do to get there. I rarely write reviews.. actually, this may be my first one ever.. but when I left his office today crying at only ONE step of my process to a happier, healthier smile, (a plan that Dr. Nic sat down and helped me develop), I wanted to do something so that everyone could feel this happy after leaving the dentist. If you are looking for a dentist who truly cares about you and your smile, look no further. It is only an added bonus that his admin staff, hygienist, and assistants are just as friendly and supportive as Dr. Nicholoas Pournaras! I feel like I hit the lottery of dental teams!
View on GoogleLatwanna Flake
2021
Dr. Nick and his team are fabulous! He has been taking care of my dental care for about 13 years now. Let me tell you how much I love this guy. He’s outside of my insurance network and I am still willing to stay with them! The office is always clean, inviting, and relaxing. Just make an appointment and you’ll see! Dr. Nick has invested much into what he has to offer his patients. It’s a one stop shop for dental and ortho! They did my braces and it was fast!!! Also, if you need them to fix something, they don’t make a fuss about it! Such sweet people like Maggie and Dr. Nick’s wife, Kelly at the Columbia office. I can’t remember the names of the other wonderful hygienists, but everyone is very friendly in both offices. I would totally fly to SC for dental care after moving out of state! Columbia Smiles is wonderful!
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